CEDTAP Forum 2000
Proceedings: Information and Communication Technology and CED

This workshop feautured an exchange of experiences between practionners working with information and communication technology (ICTs) and CED.

Conclusions from the Discussion:

• Most initiatives that encourage people to adopt ICTs are sectoral, although there are groups emerging that help a diversity of clientele adopt new technologies.
• Content (both what is on the Internet and the services offered to clients) doesn't necessarily consider the language, age, and geographic location of users.   There is also a lack of community content.
• There are "digital divides" in terms of the resources available to certain sectors (such as women, or the illiterate) as well as certain regions (such as Abitibi and Lac St. Jean).

Success Factors for ICT Projects:

• Political will.
• Access: to hardware and software, to training and follow-up, and to content and tools that have been adapted to meet the needs of users.
• The creation of networks between people who are working on similar issues -- this builds confidence, helps project development, and prevents re-inventing the wheel.
• Recognition that cultural and organizational changes will take place, and that these need to be managed appropriately.
• Working against the "digital divide" so that all people, organizations and businesses have access to, and can adopt and integrate, new technologies.

Challenges and Obstacles:

• Developing autonomous, self-sufficient IT access points.
• Financing projects and expertise.
• Developing concerted action plans for the integration of ICTs.
• Developing action plans for the successful integration of ICTs in CED, given that ICTs result in drastic changes in the way we do things, including the organization and management of information. 
• Sharing experiences at the local, regional or national levels on the adoption and integration of ICTs.
• Finding and developing partnerships given the limited amount of information available on ICT initiatives.
• Securing community animators to develop networks.
• "Parachuting" projects in from other areas. 

Opportunities:

• There is a growing number of opportunities for CED practitioners to work together and to share experiences and information on ICTs and CED.

Facilitators:

Caroline Lachance, ÉCOF, Louise St. Jacques, La Puce ressource informatique